Asheville Report Card: A to redistricting bill

The Report Card issues grades A through F, and incompletes where necessary, to a variety of news items in this space. Got an idea that makes the grade? Send it to JBuchanan@CITIZEN-TIMES.com

A to Reps. Susan Fisher, D- Buncombe, Chuck McGrady, R- Henderson, and Nathan Ramsey, R-Buncombe, for their work toward nonpartisan redistricting in North Carolina. The three were recognized by the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform last week for their work as sponsors and co-sponsors of House Bill 606, Nonpartisan Redistricting, which was introduced in the N.C. House last spring with 61 sponsors and co-sponsors. It is identical to a bill that passed the N.C. House by a bipartisan vote of 88-27 in 2011.

The coalition says, "The bill provides for a criteria and data-driven system to create legislative and congressional districts. It disregards partisan factors in drawing those districts.''

F to San Diego Mayor Bob Filner for his alleged reprehensible behavior and definitely for his political tin ear. The incumbent Democrat has been accused of sexual harassment by nearly a dozen women. He's being sued by his former communications director, Irene McCormack Jackson. In a - ahem - novel legal approach, Filner's defense lawyer says San Diego failed because Filner never received his mandatory sexual harassment training course, and therefore the city should foot Filner's legal bills.

F to U.S. House Republicans for their 40th vote to dismantle or repeal the Affordable Care Act, aka "Obamacare." It was their last action before taking off for a monthlong recess. It was also a pointless action that will go nowhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

It's a reminder of House Speaker John Boehner's recent quote on CBS that "we should not be judged on how many new laws we create. We ought to be judged on how many laws we repeal.'' The number of pieces of legislation the House has actually repealed: zero.

A to Mission Health employees for their donation of more than $25,000 to caregivers who were affected by the May 20 tornado in Moore, Okla. Moore Medical Center was in harm's way during the tornado, and its employees managed to lead more than 200 visitors and patients to safety - while the homes of many of those employees were also being devastated. Mission launched a fundraising campaign within days of the event. In a release Dr. Ronald A. Paulus, president and CEO of Mission Health, said, "While the power of the tornado was overwhelming, the power of the Moore community to rise above the massive destruction has been truly remarkable, said our colleagues in Moore showed extraordinary spirit and courage as they put the needs of others before themselves and provided much-needed care to victims. We, at Mission Health, are honored to be able to support our colleagues in Moore during this difficult time." The collective donation was made to Norman Regional Health Foundation's Employee Care Fund.

A to Eblen Charities for its annual Tools for Schools Drive. This year's event is set for Thursday with the collection of school supplies and snacks at the Ingles Market on Tunnel Road (across from Outback Steakhouse). More sites at Ingles throughout Western North Carolina will be added to reach more schools and students than in years past. Last year Tools for Schools Drive collected more than 1 million items that benefited thousands of students in our community.

Bill Murdock, executive director of the Eblen Charities, said: "In these difficult times, it is easy to disregard things that many may consider less important. But where this might seem lower on the list of priorities, it is vital to every student that attends school in Western North Carolina. Sadly, it has become an extra burden to families struggling through the current financial situation. ? It is also important to remember that classroom needs continue all year long. Handing out backpacks and school supplies in August is only the beginning."

Eblen Charities will again be partnering with Ingles Markets, WLOS-TV, and Clear Channel Radio. To learn more about specific items needed and how to help, contact Murdock at Eblen Charities at 242-2848 or via email at eblenfound@aol.com.

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Asheville Report Card: A to redistricting bill

The Report Card issues grades A through F, and incompletes where necessary, to a variety of news items in this space.